Olympic Flame hitches a tram ride

Standard 147 at West Drive with the torch bearer proudly carrying the Olympic Flame along the platform

The Olympic Torch procession was greeted on the Fylde Coast today by driving rain and strong winds, as have many other events this 'summer'. Part of today's relay was to include a tram ride for the Olympic Flame from Rossall School to West Drive in Cleveleys. A boat car had originally been selected for this job, but due to the atrocious weather conditions on the day it was wisely decided to use Standard 147 instead. The Olympic Flame made the journey on 147 inside a miner's lamp for safety, being transferred to the Olympic Torch when the tram arrived at West Drive at about 1705. On leaving West Drive tram station the torch bearer transferred the Olympic Flame to the next runner's torch. From here the rest of the journey into Blackpool was via the usual relay procession.

The next torch bearer waiting patiently for the tram to arrive at West Drive, in miserable weather conditions

147 arrives at West Drive with the torch bearer carrying the Olympic Flame inside a miner's lamp for safety

The torch bearer who carried the flame from Rossall School on 147 transfers the flame to the next bearer's torch

The Olympic Flame has now been transferred to the next torch ready for the bearer to continue the journey south

Stagecoach Wright StreetLite 43007 which was part of the Olympic Torch procession